SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – The Fel-Pro Gaskets brand has introduced two Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS multi-layer-steel head gaskets that address a common combustion sealing issue encountered in 6.0L diesel engines used in more than 700,000 trucks manufactured between 2003 and 2010. The patent-pending PermaTorque MLS head gaskets (No. 26374PT – 18mm dowel applications; 26375PT – 20mm dowel applications) are now available through Fel-Pro distributors. 
Fel-Pro Gaskets, “The Gaskets Professionals Trust,” are manufactured by Federal-Mogul Motorparts, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corp.
According to Federal-Mogul, some owners of trucks equipped with Powerstroke 6.0L diesel engines have encountered premature head gasket failures and resulting engine damage caused by leakage of combustion gasses into the cooling system. The engines, originally equipped with multi-layer-steel head gaskets, have been known to experience combustion leakage at as early as 50,000 miles of service under heavy loads.
“These engines generate a great deal of power, heat and combustion pressure and are being run in vehicles seeing heavy use, which can exceed the sealing capabilities of conventional, OE-style MLS head gaskets,” said Jim Daigle, product manager, sealing, Federal-Mogul Motorparts. “Our engineering team invested thousands of hours in designing and testing these new gaskets to ensure that they meet Fel-Pro standards.”
The new Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS head gaskets feature several unique design enhancements that address combustion leakage and other issues encountered in these existing engines. The gaskets include a highly advanced new embossment design that creates increased spring force – and significantly more robust sealing contact – than conventional gasket designs under extreme loads, the company says.
The new PermaTorque MLS gaskets also feature a highly controlled thickness of proprietary FKM rubber in all critical sealing areas. Each gasket is engineered to easily accommodate engine overbore.
The new Fel-Pro gaskets provided leak-free performance in dynamometer tests used for 6.0L engines in 2003 to 2010 diesel trucks. Whereas some gaskets failed at approximately 300 engine hours, the Fel-Pro gaskets continued to provide an uncompromised seal, according to Federal-Mogul. In addition, the company says the Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS gaskets withstood more than 1,000 extreme “thermal shock” cycles during which engine coolant temperatures were rapidly and repeatedly cycled between 240 degrees F and -30 degrees F.
The new gaskets also help customers address premature push rod wear and resulting oil contamination caused by undersized push rod guide holes in the OE gaskets. Federal-Mogul Motorparts engineers developed patent-pending oversize guide holes surrounded by a non-abrasive material in potential contact areas.
